Top 10 Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets in 2017

Here it is, our updated list of the Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets. As cryptocurrency values continue to soar and more retailers begin accepting bitcoin and other currencies, safety has become a major interest of many investors and investors-to-be. Especially with cryptomining malware attacks such as 2017’s Adylkuzz, “How do I find a secure wallet?” can be the first question a new investor asks themselves.

Should you use a software wallet? Or a hardware wallet? Like most things technological, there is a tradeoff to be made between convenience and security, with hardware wallets veering toward the safety end of the spectrum.

But why does it matter, since blockchain technology is widely-touted as secure? A hardware wallet stores private keys, usually encrypted, on a physical piece of hardware that can be disconnected from computers and the internet, toughening it to malicious attacks such as Adylkuzz. Hardware wallets can be especially helpful if you place large investments into cryptocurrency, or, as is often the case with many freelancers working in blockchain and fintech this year, you are frequently paid in cryptocurrency.

It is common practice to split crypto investments such that you keep some usable cash in a software wallet, and keep the rest in hardware wallets–kind of like the difference between having a checking and savings account.

These are the top 10 Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets of 2017:

The Ledger Nano S cryptowallet is a hardware device that packs a lot of punch. It supports multiple currencies including (but not limited to) bitcoin, ether, and litecoin as well as multiple addresses for each currency you use, all on the same device.

You can also use it for more than just cryptocurrency. The Ledger Nano S supports FIDO Second Factor Authentication for use on things like Gmail and GitHub.

It has a built-in display, and you confirm transactions via a physical button, making it even safer against potential malware attacks. You can even build your own apps to work with it as well as backup your data to any other Ledger device and other compatible wallets. This is by far one of the best cryptocurrency hardware wallets.

Trezor is another multi-currency wallet that supports many coins including btc, eth, and various alt-coins. The device supports two-factor authentication, has an easy-to-read display, and can even be used for password management and document signing.

It supports device restoration in case of loss or damage and is among the most widely-trusted hardware wallets on the market.

KeepKey is a sleek, popular choice in cryptocurrency wallets, and is completely sold out at the time of this writing.

The device is PIN-protected and uses a button to confirm transactions which are displayed on its bright, legible screen. KeepKey also offers recovery via a 12-word recovery sentence that is only created once on initial setup. It works on all major OSs including PC, Mac, Android, and Linux. It also supports other coins including dogecoin, ethereum, and litecoin.

OpenDime isn’t your traditional bitcoin hardware wallet. While, yes, technically it classifies as such, it is meant to be used in a whole other way. Rather than guarding it, OpenDime is a hardware wallet that is meant to be shared. OpenDime describes their wallet as “disposable” and the balance can be checked from any USB port.

This barebones hardware wallet is meant to be handed off like cash, but with the convenience and security of bitcoin.

A secondary password offers access to a hidden wallet, and incorrect backup passwords create a new wallet. Plus, for techies who care about their security, everything is open-source, to be verified for security as you will. Despite it’s minimalist design, this wallet is incredible in its functionality.

Case is another bitcoin hardware wallet with some interesting features that set it apart from the crowd. It’s also sold out at the time of this writing.

First off, Case doesn’t require a computer or phone with internet in order make transactions. Instead, it comes with a built-in GSM network that offers unlimited transactions in 100+ countries.

The device also requires 2-of-3 keys in order to make a transaction. This multi-signature wallet, multi-factor wallet uses keys that are all stored in separate locations, and Case servers only have access to one of them (which means they don’t have access to your funds). Case can use biometric authentication with its built-in fingerprint reader, and all of their firmware is open-source. If Case was not sold out, it would be at the top of the best cryptocurrency hardware wallets list.

If coolness was a factor, CoolWallet would be on the top of the list of the Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets. CoolWallet is an aesthetically-pleasing bitcoin hardware wallet that easily fits into your regular, physical wallet like a credit card. Shaped similarly to a credit card, this hardware wallet features a screen that displays balances. Plus, the whole setup is waterproof. Like most hardware wallets, CoolWallet stores private keys safely away from the internet.

The Cryo Coin is currently set to “sold-out” status, but this cold storage option is as nature-resistant as it is beautiful. The Cryo Coin is created from brass and then coated with nickel which makes it withstand most organic solvents, fresh and saltwater, and more. They use a proprietary ceramic-glass composite, and the coin itself can resist temperatures up to 900 degrees Celsius.

The Cryo Card looks more like a credit card and sports a QR code block on the front. It’s made of stainless steel and is ceramic-glass etched, making it a fireproof and flood-proof hardware wallet that can easily be kept on your person or in a safe.

Although this is not a wallet in the traditional sense of the term in that you can’t transfer crypto onto the coin, it is a cold storage collectible that does hold btc value. Users can either keep the value on the coin or perform a one-time transfer to the wallet of their choosing and still be able to keep the limited edition physical coin as a collectible. Plus, their high-value coins are struck in pure gold or silver which offers value in and of itself.

For more information about how Titan Bitcoins work and to hear why they think they are the best of the cryptocurrency hardware wallets, check out their FAQ here.

Do you use hardware or software wallets? Both? You tell us, Which wallets are the Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets? Let us know in the comments below!

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Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets

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Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets - Protect your Crypto investment by choosing the best and safest wallet for your needs. (2017)